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Will the outcome be different for Under 18s?

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Emillia

Member since
June 2020

1 post

Posted Fri June 26, 2020 2:23amReport post

Hello, my son was 16 when he was arrested. So far we're aware of 200 class A, 20 Class B and 2000 Class C images.



He has been on bail since December 30th 2019.



Its six months on and they just keep extending his bail.



Does anyone have any idea how the process of conviction will be different?

Will he face less serious punishments as a young adult?

He has many mental health issues, including asd and ocd. Will this have any affect on the outcome?



Thank you!

djmichelle

Member since
April 2020

26 posts

Posted Mon July 20, 2020 2:12amReport post

Hi sweetie ,I am in a very similar situation to you at the min.as my son had only just turned 16 (by a month ) when we got the knock a few months back (even though it feels like a lifetime )... btw he has told me he has over 6000 images of cat a b and c on his devices !!

The arresting officer has told me that they are 30 percent through his devices, but that basically it doesnt really need further investigation as if it goes to court they will say 250 plus of each catagory and he is keen to move the case on.

When i spoke to him about possible outcomes, his response was that with minors they view cases very differently to those who have been viewing

images to those that actually engaged or tried to engage with minors ie grooming or meeting up with minors and that they are aware that young people are curious and often go down the wrong path.From what he explained to me with juvinille cases their aim is to rehabilite minors ,rather than criminilise them, and as it was my sons first offence , there is a strong possibility that they would go down that route.

HOWEVER,as he pointed out it isn't down to him and there are a few options , cps may decide to take it to court,or it may go to a juvinille governing board ( i can't remember the exact name he gave ).

He explained that if it doesnt go to court he will still have a probation officer to check in on him ,and when I asked about going onto the SOR he explained that yes he would ,but it probably be for 2 years .

As I explained earlier no decissions have been made yet ,and just like you I am anxious and worried,but the police officer involved has kept me in the loop so far and i'm just hoping for an outcome that will help my son rather than criminalise him for the rest of his life x

Edited Mon July 20, 2020 2:13am

djmichelle

Member since
April 2020

26 posts

Posted Mon July 20, 2020 2:18amReport post

Btw I forgot to add that they deffinately have to take into account any mental health issues with your son . I wish you all the very best ,stay strong ,its such a hard thing to deal with ,for me I have to remember NOT TO LET THIS DEFINE MY SON !!! He is amazing in so many ways ,as im certain your boy is .He is so young and can change, please remember that ......sending you lots of love and hugs ...you are not on your own xxxx

Also please contact Lucy faithful as they do a course for young adults which has really helped both me and my son and may be ideal for you both xxx

Edited Mon July 20, 2020 2:22am